Tuesday, 24 May 2016

24 May 2016 – Lliber Hidden Valley

Great
to be walking with the Monday group again, after a four week break due to my
back injury.This was a nice gentle
walk and my back held up well.Only
seven of us walking today, because most of the group have returned to UK for
the summer.

We
visited the zoo to see how the renovation was getting on and whether there were
any new animals.The place looked very
clean and tidy and the presence of a cement mixer suggested that the work was
ongoing.The animals all looked well
fed and very healthy.No seals in the
water, but we could hear them inside their “house”.There were also two people there, but they
did not speak.All in all it looks like
the work in ongoing.

Pat
took us on an alternative track which avoided the area where David was
confronted by the angry farmer many years ago.Since then the track entering and leaving his land had been closed by a
rough barrier of branches.It was clear
that most walkers ignored the barrier and climbed over the branches.However Pat had always been reluctant to do
so, and this alternative was just as good.

We
had our banana break where our new track joined the old one.It was not very hot today, but still
pleasant to find some shade for our break.

Our
lunch break was at the usual picnic site.It has been cleared up in recent years and the nearby open rubbish bins
replaced with the new igloo shaped ones.So they are not as obvious as they used to be.The seats and table are just as much in need
of a coat of varnish, but perfectly acceptable despite that.

Another
deviation on the return to Lliber, when Pat took us off the direct path.We soon realised that it was the track we
use on the Lliber to Senija walk.We
were of course walking in the opposite direction and the views down the valley
towards Lliber and Jalon were much better.

The
path was also easier walking in this direction, particularly some of the
steeper parts which were much easier going up than going down.

Peter spotted a large red squirrel, who provided a good opportunity to
take a break and watch him moving amongst the higher branches

We
were back in Lliber before 2pm, having had a very pleasant walk at a very
moderate pace.Despite this it was
quite enough for Jan and I who had not done any serious walking for the
previous four weeks.

Lliber,
like most of the Jalon valley, is looking very attractive at this time of
year.Lots of spring flowers shown off
to perfection with the bright sunny days.

Tom
met us at the bar for the after walk drink.He injured his leg during a walk with the CBMW a week or so ago.This prevented him walking with us today, or
indeed at all until after the summer break.Having finished the walk early Wendy also joined us for a drink and we
had a good chat to catch up on everyone’s news.

Monday 31 May 2016

The
last walk before the summer break will be Smugglers Cove.Meet in the main car park in Moraira at the
earlier time of 9.45 am.

Monday 26 September
2016

The
first walk after the summer break will be Portichol.Meet at the car park with the picnic area
overlooking the sea (not Masymas car park).Walk starts at 10am.